Use of alternan as texturizing agent in foodstuffs and cosmetics

Abstract

The invention is directed to the use of alternan as texturizing agent, particularly as fat or oil replacer in foodstuffs or cosmetic preparations, a homogeneous composition comprising alternan and water, the use of the homogeneous composition as texturizing agent in foodstuffs or cosmetic preparations, and foodstuffs and cosmetic preparations comprising alternan as texturizing agent or a homogeneous composition comprising alternan.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of emulsifying a product comprising adding an alternan having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) in the range of 10 000 000 g/mol to 60 000 000 g/mol, as determined with GPC MALLS. 
     
     
       2. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the alternan has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) in the range of 33 000 000 g/mol to 60 000 000 g/mol, as determined with GPC MALLS. 
     
     
       3. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the alternan has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) in the range of 12 000 000 g/mol to 30 000 000 g/mol, as determined with GPC MALLS. 
     
     
       4. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the product is a foodstuff. 
     
     
       5. The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the foodstuff is a dairy product, yoghurt, ice cream, milk-based soft ice, milk-based garnish, pudding, cream, whipped cream, chocolate cream, butter cream, crème fraiche, curd, milkshakes, egg custard, cheese, nutrition bar, energy bar, breakfast bar, confectionery, bakery product, cracker, cookie, biscuit, cereal chip, snack product, infant and baby foodstuff, bread, croissant, spread, sugar-free biscuit and chocolate, calcium chew, meat product, sausage, mayonnaise, dressing, nut butter, deep-frozen meal, sauce, gravy, soup, shortening, canned food or ready-to-serve meal. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5 , wherein the cheese is a cream cheese, soft cheese, sliced cheese, or hard cheese. 
     
     
       7. The method according  claim 1 , wherein the product is a cosmetic preparation. 
     
     
       8. The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the cosmetic preparation is a deodorant, antiperspirant, antiperspirant/deodorant, shaving product, skin cream and lotion, moisturizer, toner, bath product, cleansing product, hair care product, nail cream and lotion, cuticle softener, protective cream, and other personal care formulations. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 8 , wherein the hair care product is a shampoo, conditioner, mousse, or styling gel. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 8 , wherein the protective cream is a sunscreen or anti-aging product.